Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will look into some terms from our latest JUMP START series, RED SPRITE and Love Rush! This round of JUMP STARTS have been some of the best we’ve seen. 

AKAI KAMINARI (あかいかみなり)

AKAI means “red” and KAMINARI means “lightning.” AKAI KAMINARI or “the Red Lightning” is Tatsu Frampt’s nickname in RED SPRITE, and what a cool nickname it is. How did he get this nickname? Did he just give it to himself? It’s quite fun to theorize about what kind of training Tatsu went through during the six years he was alone. It must have been quite intense since he’s returned with a vengeance and one mean nickname!

TANJOUBI OMEDETOU (たんじょうびおめでとう)

TANJOUBI means “birthday” and OMEDETOU is “congratulations.” So the whole thing means “Happy birthday!” This has been one crazy birthday for Reiji in Love Rush! The same week that he turns 18, he learns that hundreds of supernatural beings are after him. It was hard to complain too much when it was just Kokoro, the beautiful Cupid princess with a heart of gold. But now he’s got vampires, demons and even a succubus to defend himself against!

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